The PingDirectory server uses the schema to do the following:

  • Define the entries.
  • Specify the position of the entries in a DIT.
  • Control the operations of the server.

You can also extend the schema by adding your own schema definitions.

Object classes have the following general properties:

  • Object classes must have a globally unique name or identifier.
  • Object classes specify the required and allowed attributes in an entry.
  • Object classes can inherit the properties and the set of allowed attributes from its parent object classes, which might also be part of a hierarchical chain derived from the top abstract object class.
  • Object classes that are defined in the PingDirectory server can be searched using the objectClasses operational attribute.
    Note:

    The PingDirectory server also has a special entry called the subschema subentry, which provides information about the available schema elements on the server.